Banking thematic reviews

May 2021 Banks

The Reserve Bank has published revised versions of its Banking Handbook documents BS13 and BS13A that set out the liquidity policy applying to registered banks.

More information can be found on the Banking Supervision Handbook page

Mar 2021 Banks

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has eased the dividend restrictions placed on retail banks at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes will allow banks to pay up to a maximum of 50% of their earnings as dividends to their shareholders.

Read the media release: Reserve Bank retains some dividend restrictions and expects banks to be prudent

Mar 2021 Banks

The Reserve Bank has finalised its new approach for the reporting and public disclosure of banks’ breaches of their prudential requirements.

Visit Public disclosure of bank breaches which sets out the details of the new approach

Nov 2020 Banks

The Reserve Bank launched a consultation on the details for implementing the final Capital Review decisions announced in December 2019.

View the Media release: Reserve Bank launches consultation to implement Capital Review changes.

Nov 2020 Banks

The Reserve Bank has published a regulatory update announcement covering four areas:

• Capital Review Implementation Timing
• Capital Review Implementation Consultation
• Loan-to-Value Ratio Restrictions
• Dividend Restrictions

View the Media release: Further regulatory steps to promote cashflow confidence and stability.